Executive Director

Our client, a historic theatre, is seeking an Executive Director for a direct hire role in Ithaca, New York.

State Theatre of Ithaca

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Oversees: Current organizational chart requires oversight of three direct reports: Director of Finance & Operations; Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Special Events; Director of Annual Fund & Membership. Organizational staffing includes nine full-time staff, part-time and temporary staff, and numerous volunteers.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of State Theatre of Ithaca and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic direction, financial sustainability, and community impact. As the leader of downtown Ithaca’s iconic historic performing arts venues, the Executive Director will provide visionary and collaborative leadership while overseeing all operational, financial, fundraising, marketing, and community engagement activities of the organization.

Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, programming partners, donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders, the Executive Director will lead the Theatre through its next phase of growth and long-term sustainability as it prepares for its second century beginning December 2028. The ED will champion the Theatre’s role as a vibrant cultural and community gathering place while ensuring operational excellence, strong financial stewardship, and an exceptional patron and artist experience.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, relationship-oriented leader with demonstrated success in nonprofit management, fundraising, team leadership, and community engagement. The Executive Director must be an inspiring communicator capable of building trust and enthusiasm among staff, volunteers, patrons, artists, donors, and the broader community.

The Executive Director serves at the direction of and reports to the Board of Directors. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt in accordance with current labor laws. Compensation for this role is anticipated in the $90,000-$120,000 range, depending on experience and qualifications; benefits include optional insurance and a generous time off/flexible work arrangements.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Provide strategic leadership and organizational vision in alignment with the Theatre’s mission and long-term goals; ability to execute on vision by setting and achieving measurable goals.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and Strategic Planning Committee to develop, implement, and regularly evaluate the Theatre’s strategic and long-range plans.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture that supports staff engagement and development, innovation, and accountability.
• Serve as a visible and effective ambassador in the community and regional tourism and arts industry.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the Theatre’s organizational capacity, audience engagement, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy to support the Theatre’s operational, programming, and capital needs with an eye toward long-term financial sustainability.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, grant-making organizations, community leaders, and other supporters; ensure accurate donor stewardship and maintenance of donor records and development systems.
• Oversee annual fundraising initiatives including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, sponsorships, memberships, special events, and capital campaigns.
• Identify, write, and manage grants and funding opportunities, including public and private sources.
• Partner with the Director of Annual Fund & Membership to strengthen donor engagement and membership growth.

Financial & Operational Leadership

• Provide oversight and accountability for the Theatre’s financial management, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of organizational finances, including budgets, cash flow projections, and asset management.
• Work closely with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Director of Finance & Operations to prepare and manage the annual operating budget.
• Monitor organizational performance against financial goals and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations; maintain appropriate insurance coverage, risk management procedures, and organizational policies.
• Oversee contracts, reporting, and financial coordination related to theatre operations and programming activity.

Theatre Operations & Facilities Management

• Provide oversight to staff who manage day-to-day theatre operations, including front-of-house operations, concessions, ticketing, production, technical operations, and building maintenance.
• Ensure the facility remains safe, welcoming, and well-maintained for patrons, artists, staff, and volunteers.
• Supervise facility repair, restoration, and capital improvement projects, including oversight of public funding and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain organizational safety protocols and operational procedures.

Programming & Artistic Partnership

• Collaborate with the Theatre’s Programming Committee and Exclusive Talent Buyer to support programming strategy and event planning.
• Contribute to the successful presentation of performances and events that align with the Theatre’s mission, audience interests, and financial objectives.
• Support collaborative relationships with artists, promoters, community organizations, and programming partners.

• Marketing, Public Relations & Community Engagement Partner with the Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Special Events to oversee branding, marketing, sponsorship development, advertising sales, audience engagement and development, and public relations initiatives.
• Strengthen the Theatre’s visibility and reputation throughout the region through active community engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Represent the Theatre at public events, media appearances, conferences, and community functions.
• Build partnerships across civic, cultural, and donor communities.

Board Relations & Organizational Governance

• Partner closely with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to support strong governance and organizational leadership.
• Prepare materials and reports in advance of Board and committee meetings and provide regular updates on organizational performance and strategic initiatives.
• Support effective communication and collaboration between the Board, staff, and key stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and support a collaborative and high-performing staff and volunteer culture.
• Facilitate a collaborative environment where all supervisors provide coaching and performance management support for direct reports.
• Foster an environment grounded in professionalism, accountability, creativity, inclusivity, and respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or associate’s degree and equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing organizational operations with adaptability and innovation
• Demonstrated fundraising, donor relations, and/or grant writing success
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and technology skills
• Appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement
• Preferred Qualifications Nonprofit or arts organization leadership experience
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience
• Knowledge of the performing arts, entertainment, or live event industry
• Marketing, sponsorship, or audience development experience
• Appreciation for historic preservation and community-based cultural institutions

Compensation for this role is anticipated in the $90,000-$120,000 range, depending on experience and qualifications; benefits include optional insurance and a generous time off/flexible work arrangements.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io